Michael’s Story

Thirty-six-year-old, Michael, is the father of three wonderful children who he adores, and he credits being a dad as being a wonderful experience. Michael attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice for three semesters before deciding that college was not for him. He later became a small business owner and was transporting cars across the East Coast. The business became his family’s livelihood and means of financial support. He’s been a huge car enthusiast since he was a young boy, and he loves lowriders, old cars, new cars, and custom cars. He loves driving them too, most likely prompting his line of work. Football has become his favorite sport and being a lover of music, Michael enjoys occasionally working as a DJ.

An unexpected outcome

When Michael was diagnosed with Glaucoma, he was prescribed eye drops to manage the condition until they stopped working. In July 2024, the pressure in his eyes became so high his ophthalmologist recommended emergency surgery to prevent him from losing his vision. Laser surgery was performed on the left eye and a Trabeculectomywas performedon the right eye. Michael was expecting to return to work in two to four weeks, however, two weeks turned into four and four turned into six. During week five the pressure in the left eye continued to rise and a third surgery was performed by inserting a draining tube. Michael continued to lose more of his vision and during week six he was informed nothing more could be done to improve his vision. He was now completely blind in the left eye with blurred vision in the right eye. Michael was heartbroken, especially since it was expected that surgery would save his vision.

His vision loss immediately began to have a negative impact on his mental health. It triggered a sudden pause in his career, his role as a father, a DJ, and a car enthusiast. He became depressed thinking about not being able to see his children and future grandchildren grow up and get married and not being able to do half the things he used to do. 

Regaining his hope and faith

Although he had lost faith in his medical team, Michael’s willpower kicked in and he began conducting google searches to find help. Suddenly he discovered the Lighthouse Guild. He was surprised that his doubts about doctors went right out the window as soon as he sat down in the office of Low Vision Specialist Dr. Rebekah Lin. Michael said, “Within the first ten minutes of my appointment she made me feel comfortable and I knew I was in a safe space. She not only provided me with a prescription that enhanced my vision, but she informed me about specific apps for my phone that have assisted in making my life much easier. She was amazing, and in more than one way she has changed my life for the better. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her.” 

Michael credits Lighthouse Guild Outreach Coordinator Lisa Beth Miller for providing him with great resources, and said, “Lisa put me in touch with people and other organizations that make navigating my life with a disability much easier. She too is amazing.” 

Michael also appreciates Lighthouse Guild’s monthly Tele-Support group meetings via Zoom for helping him realize there are others who share his experiences, making him feel more confident in having a disability. “The services and resources available at Lighthouse Guild are unmatched,” said Michael. “They have made my life better in more ways than one. 

For anyone adjusting to visual impairment, Michael suggests if where you live don’t provide the resources you need, reach out elsewhere. If possible, go to a place that can provide you with the necessary resources.

A grateful email

Following his initial appointment at Lighthouse Guild, Michael sent the following email to Dr. Lin and Miller: I’ve felt so defeated during this process I almost gave up until I walked into the Lighthouse Guild in New York City. I was not expecting to get the type of care and information on day one of me walking in. On day two I received a phone call from Lisa Miller, and again, the level of care, urgency, and empathy is exactly what I needed to get back in the game. Lisa and Rebekah from Lighthouse Guild have given me a level of empathy and care in less than 24 hours and made me realize that I still can be an active adult despite this disability. I want to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for the work you do. I recommend the Lighthouse Guild 1000 times over to anyone dealing with a form of blindness. Thanks to Lisa and Rebekah my story isn’t over!

In closing, Michael said, “Literally, I love these people. They get my praise over and over again.”

I’ve felt a sense of belonging again, after my independence was taken away, now I feel like I am a part of something and I belong again. I used to feel so dependent on others, my training with a white cane has made me so much more mobile and independent.